Stratford man faces first-degree manslaughter in death of passenger

Wednesday

Apr 19, 2017 at 12:00 PM

By Marsha Miller

A 47-year-old Stratford man is behind bars in the Carter County Detention Center following a weekend drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a passenger in his car.District Attorney Craig Ladd filed a felony charge of first-degree manslaughter against Orlando W. Brown Monday. The charge alleges Brown “willfully and intentionally, but without a premeditated design to cause the death …” of Terry Alexander was driving under the influence of alcohol. The charge also accuses Brown of driving under suspension at the time of the fatal crash.The accident was investigated by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and occurred near the intersection of U.S. Highway 177 and Foothill Road Friday. Brown was behind the wheel of a 2014 Nissan and ran off the road. The car crossed a small drainage creek and hit the creek embankment. Alexander, a Tishomingo resident, was a backseat passenger in the vehicle when she sustained the fatal injuries resulting from the crash. A second passenger was also seriously injured. OHP reports show Donna K. Ward, Ada, was airlifted to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was admitted for treatment of multiple injuriesIn addition to the charge, Ladd has filed a “Page II” (penalty enhancement). The Page II points to Brown’s previous conviction in Cleveland County of distribution of controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent. If convicted of the first-degree manslaughter charge, the Page II would be used to seek an elevated sentence.Brown made an initial appearance before Associate District Judge Thomas Baldwin, who set bond at $175,000. A case conference is scheduled for June 1 to determine if Brown will seek a preliminary hearing. Brown remains jailed pending the posting of bond.If convicted the Stratford residence faces not less than four years in a state prison.

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